Second rear shock mount?

[DrDoc]

So when I got home today I noticed that my left rear shock was hanging down, broken spring plate. No biggie. Slid under to try to tie the shock out of the way until the new plate arrives and found this:

Did the po add their own mount for the shock? That thing is super loose on the frame, probably how the plate broke in the first place.

So, should I try to use the original, use the new? Would I need longer shocks if I use the original?

Thanks in advance for the help.

Sent from the driver's seat using Tapatalk

 

[Torxhead]

It does appear that the shock is too short, as it is an incorrect shock. Is the other side setup in a similar way?

 

[DrDoc]

Yep, right is setup the same. I will have to check closer tomorrow, wonder if the threads might be striped or something on the factory post.

Sent from the driver's seat using Tapatalk

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Looks like you'll need to reweld that mount.
That second bolt was added.
How much lift does your Jeep have?
LG

 

[DrDoc]

None that I know of, how could I tell?

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Post pictures of the springs and shackles.
LG

 

[DrDoc]

Post pictures of the springs and shackles.
LG

So here's the pic, let me know if it doesn't show what we need to see.

As for the welding you mentioned earlier, do you mean to fill the hole someone drilled for the lower mount or something different?

 

[Torxhead]

It didn't show on my end, Doc.

 

[DrDoc]

Helps if you actually attach it...

Side question, any harm in driving without a shock? Should I disconnect the other side too?

 

[Lumpy Grits]

That shackle angle is way off.
It does look like OEM springs & shackle and such.
No issue pull'n the other shock.
Look for some solf valved Monroe shocks.
Softer the shock valving=better ride.
LG

 

[DrDoc]

That shackle angle is way off.
It does look like OEM springs & shackle and such.
No issue pull'n the other shock.
Look for some solf valved Monroe shocks.
Softer the shock valving=better ride.
LG

I thought the shackles on the rear looked weird. Is that just something you can loosen and reposition?

Do I have to pull the other shock on the rear or could I drive it as is for a bit?

 

[Lumpy Grits]

'Flat springs'(loss of arch)will cause that shackle issue.
Pull the shock....
LG

 

[DrDoc]

Yeah, didn't think the shackle wound fix that..

Thanks for the help.

 

[Torxhead]

I would suggest packing a tape measure and camera to compare with other CJs that you would see in your area. Comparing to my CJ, I get 44.5" from the spring pivot hole to the top spring shackle hole. The spring shackle does seem to be mounted a bit forward from what I see. Thanks for sending in that picture, something is not right somewhere.

 

[DrDoc]

Sadly not many cjs in my area, but will try to get a measurement tonight.

 

[tarry99]

Is the opposite side spring and shackle in the same position? As mentioned the angle of the shackle is too flat.......normally with a new spring the shackle will start at about 15-20 degrees and after break in settle to no more that 45 degrees unless your spring pack is to lite for the weight you carry back there......or the mounts were incorrectly placed.

Also that rear section of frame over that axle seems to have been replaced at some point in time .....all those angle cuts and welds are not factory.

The spring and shackle need to work together for a decent ride.........at this point you have very little suspension.........

 

[DrDoc]

That would explain the rough ride.

I was looking at new leafs but have no idea which to get (how many leafs). I have a fiberglass tub and a hard top, otherwise I believe it's mostly stock. I will measure the distance between the leaf mounts today to see how it compares to others.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Are there any CJ clubs in your area?
Is there anyone that could re-arch your springs?
LG

 

[DrDoc]

No clubs I've been able to find, and no trails either which is the biggest bummer. Not that I want to do anything extreme, but just putz around some back trails.

A lot of wranglers around here, I can only remember seeing 1 or 2 other cjs.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Is there a state 4wd association?
LG